In just over a month, the World Cup kicks off in Sölden. A few days before, in ski paradise, we will start a new season in the glaciers of Tirol. Home to 5 glaciers, 80 ski areas,and a skiable terrain of around 3,000 kilometers, Tirol offers some of the most epic slopes and thrilling rides you’ll be able to find in the world.
And yesterday, Monday, September 20th, the Austrian government announced new rules for the ski season. So, we want to share with you some useful information to help you enjoy your next ski trip to Austria/Tirol.
Entry Regulations for Austria
All travelers need to show either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination/past infection upon entry into Austria.
EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
Holders of ‘EU Digital COVID Certificates’ (EUDCC) can enter Austria without being subject to additional restriction if their certificate contains one of the following: 
Certificate of vaccination;
Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last 180 days;
A pre-departure PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to arrival) or a rapid antigen test (taken within 48 hours prior to arrival).
FFP2 masks are required for everyone on public transport, in cable cars, and in essential businesses such as supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations, and banks.
Rules for the Winter season in Austria
In order to guarantee the safest and smooth process possible in the coming season, the government has presented a three-step plan so that a carefree holiday and leisure experience can be guaranteed.
Together with the federal states, the industry, experts, and the association of cities and municipalities, the federal government has decided on a three-stage plan - which is primarily based on the utilization of intensive care bed capacities:
Level 1: Current status
Level 2: From 7 days after 300 IU beds are occupied (corresponds to an intensive care bed occupancy of approx. 15 percent)
Level 3: From 7 days after 400 ICU beds are occupied (corresponds to an intensive care bed occupancy rate of approx. 20 percent)
Cableways
85% of the cable cars in Austria are open lifts with a lower risk of infection and a travel time of fewer than 15 minutes.
To secure the winter season 2021-2022, the cable car companies will take additional measures.
Since September 15, 2021, it has been mandatory for visitors to the cable car operations to wear an FFP2 mask.
Access with 3G proof: valid negative test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery. It should be noted that the period of validity of the antigen tests has been shortened from 48 to 24 hours.
If entry certificates are introduced, these must be checked when tickets are sold. Work is underway on a practicable implementation for operators and visitors (linking the online sale of tickets for automated control).
Visitors must always carry valid proof with them and present it as part of random checks.
If the epidemiological measures are not observed by visitors, the cable car companies should be released from their transport obligation.
Tyrolean governor Günter Platter no longer sees the après ski as it used to be: "From level 2, the 2-G rule applies to guests (antigen tests with self-acceptance ("living room tests") are no longer permitted as evidence of admission), and unvaccinated employees have an FFP2 mask requirement and an obligation to 3 PCR tests per week. In addition, there will be the possibility to limit the time for après-ski operations, because it is clear: there will be no après-ski this winter like it used to be".
